Naved Alam
Twenty engineering backlogs, financial struggles and family loss did not stop Haizil Jebi from pursuing his dream of becoming a pilot.
The 30-year-old from Kerala has travelled to the Philippines to begin pilot training after waiting nearly 10 years for the opportunity.
Jebi grew up in a middle-class family in Kodungallur, in Thrissur district. He believed education and a well-paid job could help improve his family’s financial condition.
However, he struggled with his engineering course because he was not interested in the subject.
He eventually accumulated 20 backlogs while studying electronics and communication engineering at the College of Engineering Munnar. He later cleared the backlogs and graduated six months later than usual.
His interest in aviation began when he was in Class 10. He became curious about aircraft and explored careers in the aviation sector.
However, he gave up his initial plan to study aircraft maintenance engineering and chose engineering instead.
After graduation, Jebi worked as a delivery partner in Kochi to earn money. He later moved to Bengaluru, where he worked as a mathematics teacher while preparing for selection interviews for the Indian Armed Forces.
His plans changed when his father suffered a cardiac arrest in Dubai during the COVID-19 pandemic. His father’s health problems placed additional financial pressure on the family. He died in June 2021, leaving Jebi with greater family responsibilities.
Despite the loss, Jebi continued trying to join the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Army. Although he cleared some stages of the selection process, he did not make the final lists.
He also lost his teaching job during company layoffs. To support himself, he worked as a truck driver, bus driver and office staff member.
As opportunities to join the Armed Forces became limited, Jebi decided to pursue professional pilot training. However, the cost of training remained a major challenge.
After approaching several banks for an education loan, he eventually secured funding from Union Bank.
The loan enabled him to enrol at Fast Aviation Academy Inc. in the Philippines.
Jebi said moving abroad had helped him improve his communication skills, confidence and ability to adapt to new situations.
Completing pilot training and securing an airline job remain his next goals.
“I had waited 10 years to achieve my dream. I did not want to keep postponing it,” he said.
Jebi said patience, hard work and support from mentors helped him continue despite repeated setbacks. He encouraged others to remain determined and keep working towards their dreams.
